Congratulations to the Salmen High class of 2013 and other Spartan standouts

Congratulations and best wishes to all the Salmen High School graduating seniors, who made their mark on the school and the community. The impact of the class of 2013 was made evident during the school's annual awards ceremony during which many of the seniors were awarded numerous scholarships.

Other awards for outstanding achievement also were presented to students from all grade levels during the ceremony, from department awards to community service recognition.

Among the most prestigious was the President’s Volunteer Service Award, an award based on community service and volunteer hours. This award was presented to junior Lindsey Nguyen.

On behalf of the Prudential Spirit of Community, Cecilia Anderson recognized a few students who had gone above and beyond in their commitment to community service, being constantly involved in helping others. These students were Christopher Callan, Olivia Colton, Jacob Frick, Kelly Hoang, Kristen Maus, Victoria Tran, Ryan Ritterbush, Victoria La, Jessica Mai, Sarah Mehr, Shanelle Reese, and Reese Simoneaux.

The Salmen High PTSA offers $500 scholarships to two deserving Salmen High School seniors. This year, the two scholarship chairwomen, Vicki Frick and Marsha Spadoni-Bankston, with the help of community members outside of Salmen High, chose two of 13 applicants to receive this award. Based on community service, academics, and school involvement, Joseph La and Julie Huynh were each chosen to receive the award.

Of the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce scholarship, only three applicants are chosen. Salmen High School is proud to claim that two of the three winners were Salmen students. Dawn Sharpe-Brackett, a Salmen graduate and Chief Executive Officer of the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, presented students Christina Grommon and Julie Huynh with this scholarship.

The John Curtis Thompson Music and Athletics Scholarship is a one-time scholarship awarded to a Salmen High School graduating senior who excels in music and/or athletics. John Curtis Thompson was a 2007 graduate of Salmen High School who excelled greatly in these two areas who established this scholarship with the intention to repay the school for all the help and support he received following Hurricane Katrina. This year’s recipient was Joseph La.

Michaela Giraud was awarded the Louisiana Rural Water Association Scholarship, which is based on academics, character, and community service.

The Harvey L. Foster Scholarship is a scholarship based on academics, community service, and all-around character. The recipients chosen must intend to pursue a degree in a scientific field. This year’s Salmen recipients are Edward White, who aim to pursue a degree in engineering, as well as Joseph La, who will pursue a biology degree.

Numerous other scholarships were awarded, like the Culinary Arts Scholarships, to four students Lauren Pedeaux, Shilon Calahan, Ta’Ron Rayford, and Courtney Mobley; the Jim Kennedy Cox scholarship to Astrid Acevedo for commitment to academics, community service, and personal character; the South Slidell Swimming Scholarship to Andrew Boudreau, Christina Grommon, and Maria Leonard; and so many others.

The class of 2013 will graduate on May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Northshore Harbor Center, where the admission will require a ticket. The graduates are urged to arrive at 6:30 p.m. For the public, the doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Salmen High School is reluctant to let go of this wonderful class, but wishes them the best of luck with their futures.